POLICE have released CCTV footage after a family-run pizza chain was targeted by gunmen for a fourth time in an alleged terror campaign that started last year.

Woodstock’s newly-opened Essendon outlet was blasted with shots just before midnight on February 3.

CCTV footage depicts two hooded men running towards the Napier St shopfront before firing a handgun into the window.

Investigators have linked the latest crime to three drive-by shootings on October 30 in which the popular restaurant chain, operated by champion pizza maker Tony Cannata, was sprayed with bullets at its Essendon, Fitzroy North, and Brunswick West eateries.

That night, police were called just after 11pm when gunshots peppered the Nicholson St, Fitzroy North, restaurant side window.

A man was captured on CCTV firing shots into the pizza shop.Source:Supplied

A second shooting at the Essendon eatery, which was under construction at the time, was reported shortly after.

The third outlet on Lygon St, Brunswick East, was also later struck.

All restaurants were closed at the time and no one was injured.

Responding to earlier reports that gangland figures and a turf war with a rival pizza chain may be behind the attacks, Acting Det Sgt Paul Topham from the Armed Crime Taskforce said the gunmen’s motive was still unclear.

However Det Sgt Topham said he believed the shootings were meant as a warning.

He said the Cannata family were “terrified”.

“They don’t understand why they’re being targeted,” he said.

“They don’t know when it’s going to stop and they just want to be able to go to work in peace without fear.”

Det Sgt Topham said following the latest incident, the family feared the attacks would continue if the culprits were not found.

“The first incident was a scare to them but their belief was that it was over,” he said.

“They’re doing the best they can in pretty trying circumstances.”

Det Sgt Topham said he held for concerns for community safety and police had stepped up patrols in the areas surrounding the pizza shops.

“There are people out there with firearms and they’re prepared to discharge them in a populace area with total disregard to the welfare of the public,” he said.

Detectives are searching for a silver Toyota Hilux and a white 2005-model Ford Falcon believed to have been used during the shootings.

The two vehicles were captured on CCTV in relation to the Brunswick East and Fitzroy North attacks.

Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au.